I had an E7 model back in 2008, I added a Hagon rear shock and front springs, galfer front disks and delkevic cans. It was a fantastic bike and people where surprised at how quick it was. I still regret selling it, I much preferred it over my CBR 600. Great review
@@autistic.adventurer Thanks for that, it's very appreciated. I'm also running a Hagon, with remote pre load adjustment, but with Black widow cans. Ride safe...
I've got a 2000 model, had it for 4 hrs, same colour as yours I'm amazed what good condition it's in as kawasaki weren't known for quality back then, 30k and running strong, just waiting for a stage 1 carb kit just to smooth out the power delivery ❤
Thanks for the review and the maintenance info. Had one for a few years now a 1992 model that has done 63000. miles and still going strong, also got it cheap $1400. AUD. Is in great condition though, but has the 4 into one exhaust system, will try to find the original system so I can restore it to original condition. Has the same starting problem after left sitting for a while. Am going to get it registered as a classic bike. In Australia if you are a member of a classic motor cycle club you can get cheaper registration.
Awesome bike and now looked over for more sporty looking bikes that most people will do a short journey before they start feeling uncomfortable Great fun and easy to flick around My first one was a 1992 D model 600cc bought new Toured the highlands of Scotland on it a few times Took the crossing to Skye via ferry Rode home to Aintree from Kyle Of Lochalsh in the rain with 1 stop on the M6 for a brew and stretch the legs Fantastic holss and a fab bike
Thanks, I have a zx600D from a police auction, very abused with cracked fairings and sprayed all matt black and cost $225 AUD. Your bike really shows how nice these machines can be.
Good bikes, successor to GPz550, GPZ600 and GPX600. I've had a couple of ZZR600 and found them to be good underrated bikes. Unfortunately they came out too late and lost out to the CBR600F1.
Thank you, excellent video. I still can't make up my mind to get on or not. Seen a 1990 with under 17000 miles on the clock running a bit rough, I'm assuming it might be the carbs. The only thing that bothers me is the valve adjustment!
@@bazm1 Hi. If possible (insurance ect) get a test ride and on a straight clear piece of road open her up a bit. Carbs will often clear and work fine at higher throttle openings, if not could be electrical. And if it is the carbs it'll still be worth cleaning them, they are a known issue. As to the valve adjustment, yes it is doable at home but shim under bucket and limited access make it a real b*llache. It's worth finding a competent mechanic just for that job as it doesn't need doing often and it saves you loads of hassle.
Great video, I have a 1997 E5 and have had this for 8 years now still enjoy taking it out for long runs. Im interested to see you have more upright handlebars on yours was this your mod or done when you first brought the bike. If its your own work how was it done? Many thanks. Martin
Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. The conversion was my own work, done within the last year using a bolt on top yoke kit from a company called Moto CNC. This enables you to pick your own set of handlebars making them easier to replace if you fancy a change or have an accident. They do also do a cheaper option which just raises the standard bars about 38mm or so. The bars I chose gave me a 6 to 7 inch rise but feel really comfortable. I had to cut back the double bubble screen both sides but not an issue as I tend to use cheap Chinese ones anyway. Footpegs are standard but despite feeling odd to start are still fine. Clutch, throttle and choke cables still fitted after rerouting but brake lines and mirrors needed replacing. The mirrors are cheap ones from Ebay with universal handlebar mounting brackets from the same place. I've had my one for 8 years too. I hope that helps and ride safely. PS don't forget that the switchgear is pegged to locate into the standard bars so if you change those you'll have to remove the pegs.
@@christopherwhite5210 Thank you Christopher that’s quite a good conversion, I’m keeping my bike now so it’s a good way to go. Ride safe and take care too. Hope you have a great weekend to get out and enjoy biking.
I bought a new ZZR600 in 1996, it's the best bike in the whole world, I'd love another one. I do have to ask, why do you have that gastly handlebars and mirrors fitted?
I was looking at that for some time thinking something isn't right with the bike.... Then I realised the handlebar swap and mirrors have moved onto the new bars! hahaha
A damn fine question, if you don't mind me saying so. I think that it's a number of factors. It always lived in the shadow of the 1100 with it's worlds fasted bike title. Because of that it seems to be a forgotten model. Also I've seen reviews that for some incomprehensible reason pigeon hole them as a girl's bike. And at a time when bikes were sub dividing into different classes (touring, sports, adventure, retro ect.) Kawasaki kept her as an old style all rounder. But sometimes it just happens. All the best Chris 😃
Hi. I've never had to do it myself but most other accounts of this that I've come across online the owners did talk about engine strips. I believe that I did postulate in the video ( it's been a while since I've actually rewatched it myself) that it might be possible to just turn the removed engine upside down and remove the lower crankcase for access but luckily I've never had this issue. All the best Chris.
First of all these are not my sort of bikes at all. My son bought a 93 zzr 600. 17.000 km on the clock. I take it for a ride now and then. Just to keep it in working order so to say. The one thing i do not like at al about this bike is the lower speed stearing. Its like a car without powerstearing. I have to push against the handlebars to keep it to where i wana go. Higher speeds stearing works fine. Nice bikes. But not my sort of bike
Yes you're absolutely right. In an effort to improve the high speed touring ability of these bikes they made significant decisions regarding the steering set up. At slow speed there's a front end weight bias which always feels like it's pushing the front wheel out. I still love the bike though 😃
You wouldn't want the cat. She's only barely domesticated and is mentioned in the UN weapons of mass destruction treaty. If you value the skin on your body avoid 🤣
Thanks for your opinion Roly, and although you are entitled to it I do of course disagree. This bike is used mainly in an urban setting and the higher handlebars take some weight off of the front end, which combined with their width make it far more nimble then standard as well as more comfortable at slower speeds. The double bubble screen allows high speed use with no real loss of useable performance. And of course it can easily be put back to standard if I want. All the best Chris White
I had an E7 model back in 2008, I added a Hagon rear shock and front springs, galfer front disks and delkevic cans. It was a fantastic bike and people where surprised at how quick it was. I still regret selling it, I much preferred it over my CBR 600. Great review
@@autistic.adventurer Thanks for that, it's very appreciated. I'm also running a Hagon, with remote pre load adjustment, but with Black widow cans. Ride safe...
I've got a 2000 model, had it for 4 hrs, same colour as yours I'm amazed what good condition it's in as kawasaki weren't known for quality back then, 30k and running strong, just waiting for a stage 1 carb kit just to smooth out the power delivery ❤
Thanks for the review and the maintenance info. Had one for a few years now a 1992 model that has done 63000. miles and still going strong, also got it cheap $1400. AUD. Is in great condition though, but has the 4 into one exhaust system, will try to find the original system so I can restore it to original condition. Has the same starting problem after left sitting for a while. Am going to get it registered as a classic bike. In Australia if you are a member of a classic motor cycle club you can get cheaper registration.
Awesome bike and now looked over for more sporty looking bikes that most people will do a short journey before they start feeling uncomfortable
Great fun and easy to flick around
My first one was a 1992 D model 600cc bought new
Toured the highlands of Scotland on it a few times
Took the crossing to Skye via ferry
Rode home to Aintree from Kyle Of Lochalsh in the rain with 1 stop on the M6 for a brew and stretch the legs
Fantastic holss and a fab bike
Thanks, I have a zx600D from a police auction, very abused with cracked fairings and sprayed all matt black and cost $225 AUD. Your bike really shows how nice these machines can be.
Thanks, they're pretty underrated. Ride safe and all the best Chris White.
Good bikes, successor to GPz550, GPZ600 and GPX600. I've had a couple of ZZR600 and found them to be good underrated bikes. Unfortunately they came out too late and lost out to the CBR600F1.
Best review ever.
Thanks...
just picked up a 2007 zzr 600 pretty awesome bike
Just picked up a 1990 zzr600.
Rebuilt te carbs due to some parts missing some little bits to sort it out but hope to have it running by weekend
Thank you, excellent video. I still can't make up my mind to get on or not. Seen a 1990 with under 17000 miles on the clock running a bit rough, I'm assuming it might be the carbs. The only thing that bothers me is the valve adjustment!
@@bazm1 Hi. If possible (insurance ect) get a test ride and on a straight clear piece of road open her up a bit. Carbs will often clear and work fine at higher throttle openings, if not could be electrical. And if it is the carbs it'll still be worth cleaning them, they are a known issue. As to the valve adjustment, yes it is doable at home but shim under bucket and limited access make it a real b*llache. It's worth finding a competent mechanic just for that job as it doesn't need doing often and it saves you loads of hassle.
@christopherwhite5210 Thanks for the advice, much appreciated 👍
Bought a 2004 E12 last night, 2 owners from new, it's in fantastic condition.
Enjoy her mate, they're great bikes. But give yourself time to get used to the power delivery, it's deceptive for a 600.
@@christopherwhite5210 Had a GSXR 600 last year, the ZZR is good for me, much more relaxed ride, the power delivery is much smoother on the ZZR
Recently bought a 1999 that was sitting for a while. Waiting for carb kit!
Same year as mine, an E7 probably. They're great bikes so enjoy. Good luck with the carbs...
I now want one.
Good and a reasonable price.
Great video, I have a 1997 E5 and have had this for 8 years now still enjoy taking it out for long runs. Im interested to see you have more upright handlebars on yours was this your mod or done when you first brought the bike. If its your own work how was it done? Many thanks. Martin
Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. The conversion was my own work, done within the last year using a bolt on top yoke kit from a company called Moto CNC. This enables you to pick your own set of handlebars making them easier to replace if you fancy a change or have an accident. They do also do a cheaper option which just raises the standard bars about 38mm or so. The bars I chose gave me a 6 to 7 inch rise but feel really comfortable. I had to cut back the double bubble screen both sides but not an issue as I tend to use cheap Chinese ones anyway. Footpegs are standard but despite feeling odd to start are still fine. Clutch, throttle and choke cables still fitted after rerouting but brake lines and mirrors needed replacing. The mirrors are cheap ones from Ebay with universal handlebar mounting brackets from the same place. I've had my one for 8 years too. I hope that helps and ride safely. PS don't forget that the switchgear is pegged to locate into the standard bars so if you change those you'll have to remove the pegs.
@@christopherwhite5210 Thank you Christopher that’s quite a good conversion, I’m keeping my bike now so it’s a good way to go. Ride safe and take care too. Hope you have a great weekend to get out and enjoy biking.
I ve got a 1991 myself, good video
I bought a new ZZR600 in 1996, it's the best bike in the whole world, I'd love another one.
I do have to ask, why do you have that gastly handlebars and mirrors fitted?
Rapidly advancing arthritis I'm afraid. This works for me and means that I can still use her comfortably.
I was looking at that for some time thinking something isn't right with the bike.... Then I realised the handlebar swap and mirrors have moved onto the new bars! hahaha
Well that's good for me then, at least my work doesn't stick out like a sore thumb!
What is your opinion on why these are the cheapest 4 cyl second hand, even lower priced than beat up bandits and gsxf?
A damn fine question, if you don't mind me saying so. I think that it's a number of factors. It always lived in the shadow of the 1100 with it's worlds fasted bike title. Because of that it seems to be a forgotten model. Also I've seen reviews that for some incomprehensible reason pigeon hole them as a girl's bike. And at a time when bikes were sub dividing into different classes (touring, sports, adventure, retro ect.) Kawasaki kept her as an old style all rounder. But sometimes it just happens. All the best Chris 😃
Surely don't need to strip the engine to change the gearbox?
Hi. I've never had to do it myself but most other accounts of this that I've come across online the owners did talk about engine strips. I believe that I did postulate in the video ( it's been a while since I've actually rewatched it myself) that it might be possible to just turn the removed engine upside down and remove the lower crankcase for access but luckily I've never had this issue. All the best Chris.
First of all these are not my sort of bikes at all.
My son bought a 93 zzr 600. 17.000 km on the clock. I take it for a ride now and then. Just to keep it in working order so to say. The one thing i do not like at al about this bike is the lower speed stearing. Its like a car without powerstearing. I have to push against the handlebars to keep it to where i wana go. Higher speeds stearing works fine. Nice bikes. But not my sort of bike
Yes you're absolutely right. In an effort to improve the high speed touring ability of these bikes they made significant decisions regarding the steering set up. At slow speed there's a front end weight bias which always feels like it's pushing the front wheel out. I still love the bike though 😃
how much for the cat?
You wouldn't want the cat. She's only barely domesticated and is mentioned in the UN weapons of mass destruction treaty. If you value the skin on your body avoid 🤣
@@christopherwhite5210 Thanks for the heads up-whew!
ρгό𝔪σŞm
El manubrio está módicado, le arruinó
Thanks for your opinion Roly, and although you are entitled to it I do of course disagree. This bike is used mainly in an urban setting and the higher handlebars take some weight off of the front end, which combined with their width make it far more nimble then standard as well as more comfortable at slower speeds. The double bubble screen allows high speed use with no real loss of useable performance. And of course it can easily be put back to standard if I want. All the best Chris White